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Three Trucks, Same Price, Which Choice?

Discussion in 'Introductions' started by photogdave, Jun 7, 2021.

  1. photogdave

    photogdave Member

    Hello,
    Great forum here! I've been reading quite a bit for my kei truck research. At first I thought I wanted a Sambar but I'm leaning towards a Carry now because I might be hauling some heavy loads of topsoil, gravel etc. and like the idea of leaf spring suspension. I want something that can be a winter DD and take me up to the mountain for biking/skiing, and also use around my property.

    Anyway, there's a local guy who has three different Carrys for sale all at the same price. After he sells them he says the next lot he's importing will be going up in price.

    First is a '98 with about 80K kms, 4WD EL, no diff lock, A/C, new 13" rims and tires. It seems to run really well, 4WD seems to work as it should. Cab is in quite nice shape, body, bed and frame all pretty good with light surface rust in some areas but nothing really bad that I could see.
    The only real negative was the shifting felt quite clunky and I had a bit of trouble finding gears. I had never driven one of these before so I'm not sure if this is how the shifting is supposed to be.

    Second is 2000 with about 50K kms, 4WD Hi/Lo, no diff lock, no A/C, 12" wheels with low tread. Started fine but revved a bit high and ran on a bit after shutoff.
    Body etc. is nicer than the '98 but cab is a bit rougher. Had the tailgate replaced so maybe it has been hit. Smoother driving and smoother shifting but had a vibration I wasn't sure about.

    Third is another 2000 with about 20K kms, 4WD Hi/Lo, no diff lock, no A/C, 12" wheel. The whole truck is pretty immaculate except for some touch up paint here and there.
    Only issue is either the trans or clutch will have to be replaced as there is a really bad sound with the clutch out, like a bearing is gone or something. He can source a new transmission for under $1000.

    Normally I might take my time and keep shopping around but I feel like the prices are going up in general and I don't want to end up paying more for a truck in the same condition as some of these. Once in a while I see a Sambar come up cheaper and there might be a couple of HiJets but I live pretty far from the urban centres where there is more selection.

    Any thoughts and advice appreciated!
    Thanks,
    Dave
     
  2. SAITCHO

    SAITCHO Active Member

    Id go with one of a 2000 model. Its a more modern fuel injected engine and is equipped with a timing chain.
     
  3. photogdave

    photogdave Member

    Good tip about the timing chain. Thanks!
     
  4. Ronin

    Ronin Active Member Supporting Member

    A Carry clutch shouldn't be shot @20k km... nearly unheard of. However of the three that's probably the one I'd look into, the others don't sound like real gems. Clunky shifting shouldn't be, nor engine run-on, unless maybe it was fueled improperly.

    'Same price'... ballpark?
     
  5. photogdave

    photogdave Member

    Thanks for the reply.
    They're at $6500 CDN. My concern is that any truck I look at is going to be in similar condition and the next batch coming over from Japan will be more money for basically the same thing.
    With travel starting to open up again I can start looking a little further afield now. Maybe I'll reconsider a Sambar as they seem to come up for often around here.
     
  6. Ronin

    Ronin Active Member Supporting Member

    Here's the thing... better to pay up front for a low-miler with no issues rather than pay (and pay and pay) later on to fix what isn't right. Especially with the parts situation on That Side, meaning availability and cost. And frustration.

    I'd definitely keep looking... for that kind of coin I'd expect a truck with no mechanical issues and gtg.
     
    Limestone likes this.
  7. photogdave

    photogdave Member

    Good advice. Thanks!
     
  8. Diesel_Gypsy

    Diesel_Gypsy New Member

    Don't rule out the Sambar for weight carrying ability. I have a 1991 Sambar that we used for hauling products to a farmer's market.
    Twice a week we loaded +/- 1700 lbs (checked at weigh scale) onto the little truck and drove 130 miles to the market. It handled it
    amazingly well considering that the load weighed more than the truck! No bottoming out and was easily able to maintain the 100 km
    speed limit.

    The Subaru is also much smoother and better balanced ( and also much quieter) than the other makes. This doesn't include the newer
    Carry models with the forward mounted front axle though. I have never driven one of them but they should be much better than the older models.
    IMHO the Sambar is the best for anything on-road and light trail riding but for serious trails and full off-road the ease of suspension lifts
    and wheel and track options is much better on some of the other makes, especially Suzuki and Daihatsu which have a traditional live rear axle.

    Which make is best depends on what you intend to do with it.
    Happy shopping, and let us know what you pick!
     
  9. photogdave

    photogdave Member

    Thanks for the Sambar info. Definitely puts it back in the running!
    How has the reliability been?
     
  10. Diesel_Gypsy

    Diesel_Gypsy New Member

    I have had very few problems with it and I have had it for 13 years!
    That being said , lately I have had a few problems. Alternator died, and I'm having issues with
    the electronic ignition. But these are the most serious issues in all that time.

    If you treat them right they will last for a very long time and will do an incredible amount of work.
    I would consider it one of my "best buys". The other makes are probably similar in quality but I
    wanted the Subaru for it's speed and handling on the road and I'm happy with it.

    One thing that I am not impressed with is the price of parts! they are OUTRAGEOUS!
    This may apply for all the different makes however because of exchange rates and ever increasing
    freight rates. However, being in Canada we are hit doubly hard with our weak dollar, and the fact
    that we pay the exchange to US dollars and then again to CAD! Oh well, that's life I guess!
     
  11. SDK1968

    SDK1968 Active Member

    best thing about Zuki's is they are easier to find parts for.

    if you have to buy from this seller? go with 1 of the 2000's....... once you have one of these trucks with EFI? you will NEVER go back to a carb model.

    from what you posted? id take the 50k one for a little less money.

    A/C is a great selling point. BUT unless you are doing road trips? its useless. when im working a heavy load or on the trails.... you want all the HP to the wheels not an a/c.

    and YES i do have a 2002 carry. LOVE IT.
     
  12. Diesel_Gypsy

    Diesel_Gypsy New Member

    I would definitely agree that Suzuki's are the most common and easiest to get parts for.
    But I'll still stick with my Subie! ;-)
     
  13. photogdave

    photogdave Member

    Quick update.
    I've re-looked at some of these trucks and I definitely like how the '98 drives the best. I'm much more comfortable with the shifting now and the overall condition is better than the 2000. I actually posted the wrong mileage initially...it's 33K.
    It'd be nice to have EFI and timing chain but I think that truck will need more work right away.

    The truck with the trans issues is sold.

    I'm open to keep looking but going by the local (and not so local ads) I might have to go up to the 8-9K range for a newer EFI truck...not sure I want to go that high. I might get a PPI on the '98 and make an offer.
     
  14. SDK1968

    SDK1968 Active Member

    plenty of good carb turcks out there.... ive had several now.

    but the extra power & cold weather starting of the EFI is just unbeatable. IF you are up in Canada? look at some of those guys videos'.... Carb models dont really like cold weather unless you do a swap out like on my older truck(thread posted)... EFI models are starting at -30* with no problem! think about it... then make a good choice for your situation.
     
  15. photogdave

    photogdave Member

    Thanks for that. I live in a very mild climate — rarely dips below freezing and even on the ski hill doesn't get much below 40. I'll definitely look at your swap thread!
    I guess I'm trying to determine if going up to a newer EFI model is going to be worth the $1.5-2K surcharge it's gonna cost.
     
  16. photogdave

    photogdave Member

    Well I've made a deal for the '98 Carry!
    I took it for a very extensive drive and gave it a really good inspection. Ran/idled great, AC blows cold and didn't really rob too much power, 5 speed was nice on the highway, coolant and oil looked clean, no leaks or corrosion that I could find.
    I should have it in my hot little hands next week!
     
  17. nismonismo

    nismonismo New Member

    Very exciting! Do share some pictures once you have it in hands if you will!
     
  18. photogdave

    photogdave Member

    Sadly, the deal didn't happen. When I went to purchase with cash in hand I found one last potential issue I wanted to be clear about before finalizing.
    In the meantime the owner sold to someone else.
    The search continues...
     
  19. nismonismo

    nismonismo New Member

    Very sorry to hear.

    I haven't been the luckiest either.

    The transmission on mine died at 29,4XXkms, so whoever drove it before me abused me and had it sold before it went to hell. I initially figured it was a clutch issue as there was a rattle anytime but when the clutch was disengaged, so I took it to the shop and that's where they made the discovery that 2 gears were cracked and the transmission was in need of 18 internal components.

    I got a quote from Rocky Mountain Imports for a new tranny and they said it could take between 3-6 months for it to arrive here. Until then it'll be sitting at a friend's yard.
     
  20. photogdave

    photogdave Member

    Wow that's terrible news. Sorry to hear it.
    At this point I'm thinking I might be better off going to one of the dealers in Langley so at least I'll get some kind of warranty.
    Good luck with the tranny. At least you'll know what you've got now and the rest of the truck is really nice!
     
  21. nismonismo

    nismonismo New Member

    I have a feeling Marc was aware of it... No documentation on the vehicle whatsoever to give to me. Even if it were in Japanese I would have taken because it's not so hard to do the translation these days--even if rough--by yourself. Just now has this dawned on me, but oh well. There's no giving up on the little guy.

    I'd suggest checking out Four Sons Off Road. They currently have three Carry's available in BC:

    1. https://www.4sonsoffroad. com/single-post/2002-suzuki-carry-da62t-diff-lock-10-495
    2. https://www.4sonsoffroad. com/single-post/2001-suzuki-carry-da62t-11-495
    3. https://www.4sonsoffroad. com/single-post/2004-suzuki-carry-da63t-arrives-sept-10-495

    Their YouTube channel is also very informative. Again, keep us posted on the journey!

    Cheers,

    Adam
     
  22. photogdave

    photogdave Member

    Finally! I just got home with a 2001 Carry DA62T, K6A motor, 4WD Hi/Lo with A/C.
    Bought from a dealer near Vancouver who let me take it to my friend's shop for an inspection. Maybe paid a little more to get from a dealer but I'm happy with how the transaction went and appreciate the piece of mind with being able to drive and inspect in person before purchase.
    Drove it nearly 200 km to get home on some very windy and rainy highways this weekend and very impressed with how it handled.
    Can't wait to get to work on it. Most likely start with 13" wheels and undercoating for the winter.
     

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